What It's Really Like to Major in Film

BAM! The secret agent
kicks the gun out of the bad guy's hand and throws him to the wall,
accidentally smacking the button that activates 30 seconds until
self-destruction. In slow motion, the agent jumps down the elevator shaft and
safely rolls to the ground. Clouds of blinding yellow and orange flames chase
after him, but a beautiful young woman already has his getaway car. They share
a passionate kiss before she slams the accelerator and they ride off into the
distance. As the credits roll, you walk away in awe.

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It is easy to get lost in the action of the movie. The scene
included actors, stunt-doubles, specialists on pyrotechnics, lighting crew, multiple
editors... the list goes on. Now, what happens when you are a student trying to
replicate all that? Let me tell you about filmmaking at a college level!

Everything will be limited. If you do not already own
professional equipment, you will have to rent it from the school. Freshmen
usually don't have access to fancier cameras or lights. Props will all have to be charged to your
personal account. Plus, you will need a crew. If you already have enough
ranging talents in filming and editing, you might be able to do all those
things yourself depending on the complexity of your scenes; however, you need
subject matter. The best kind of actors will most likely be drama majors and
your friends.

Expect a lot of stress and pressure. Anything that could go
wrong has a good chance of happening. Have back up plans and, unfortunately, be
prepared to settle. You may be able to push back due dates for completing a
first cut as long as you communicate with your professor, but the final due
date is usually unchangeable. So, start early with what you got because you
will be using all the rest of your time in the editing room.

Another anxiety is rounding up a crew. Your only method of
payment may be your friendship and Gushers fruit snacks. This can put a lot of
tension on relationships, especially if they become flaky. Plus, remember a
kissing scene or something of the sort can be a lot to ask if you're putting
them outside of their comfort zone.

It's hard to break into the film industry, but don't get
lost in trying to be the best. Remember why you signed up for the class, and
don't be too picky about the projects you work on. If you have the time, always
help out other students with their own films and give your best effort; they
will remember that and be a lot more willing to return the favor.

Film takes a lot of hard work and creativity and is
definitely not easy, but the final product is very rewarding. Seeing what you
created and knowing all the obstacles it took to reach your goals boosts your
self-confidence-and it is even better when you get good feedback from your
professor and peers. Some projects of yours you will love more than others, but
remember that each one is a learning experience. If you are not proud of a
particular video, take what the audience loved and reinsert the idea into an
even better work of art.